Offshore Methane Pyrolysis
A techno-economic analysis to assess the feasibility of offshore methane pyrolysis for the production of hydrogen
A. Stroo (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
AJM van Wijk – Mentor (TU Delft - Energy and Industry)
Earl L.V. Goetheer – Mentor (TU Delft - Energy Technology)
A.C.M. van der Stap – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Offshore Engineering)
Colin van Wijk – Coach (ONE-Dyas)
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Abstract
Methane pyrolysis is a technology that has the potential to greatly reduce the CO2 emissions of hydrogen production on a large scale. The process generates solid carbon instead of gaseous, thereby inhibiting emissions and has a relatively low process energy demand.
A three-step approach was taken to investigate the feasibility of offshore methane pyrolysis for sustainable hydrogen production. Firstly, a model was developed to evaluate the potential for converting methane into hydrogen under various design scenarios. Secondly, the model was utilized as a tool to create an offshore design for the methane pyrolysis reactor, including necessary auxiliary equipment. Finally, a calculation of the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) was conducted to compare it with conventional methane reforming technologies for hydrogen production.
The ultimate results showed a higher LCOH of offshore methane pyrolysis compared to the reforming technologies, however, two main components were identified that have the potential to close this gap. First, the sales of the solid carbon by-product would reduce the LCOH of offshore hydrogen and second the introduction of a CO2 tax would increase the LCOH of reforming technologies where methane pyrolysis is not affected. Thus, it can be inferred that offshore methane pyrolysis can be cost-competitive under the appropriate conditions.